About 2 weeks ago, drove upstate to go hiking. Had to drive up a mountain, and by the time we got to our destination, I noticed a substantial amount of white smoke coming from my hood and a burning exhaust type smell. When I started the engine about 2hrs later, it was fine. Drive home approx 200miles, and no white smoke. Been driving it since, and sporadically would notice small amounts of white smoke.None of the caution/check engine lights went on on my dashboard. I don't know anything about cars, any ideas what this could be?

Did you just have your oil changed before your trip? This sounds like someone left the oil cap off and oil is dripping onto the exhaust manifold.
Have someone you trust look under the hood for anything that looks out of place and please check the fluid levels.
Everything is marked.

Also, I have to ask this, but do you have a clutch?

If the engine overheated, the head gasket may be leaking coolant into the combustion chamber. White smoke is often a sign that coolant is being burned. Check the coolant level.